SECTION 1. Subsection (y) of section 6 of chapter 62 of the General Laws, as amended by section 33 of chapter 102 of the acts of 2021, is hereby further amended by striking out the words “: (i) at least 1 individual under the age of 12 who qualifies for exemption as a dependent under section 151 of the Code; or (ii)”.

SECTION 2. Said section 6 of said chapter 62, as most recently amended by section 29 of chapter 24 of the acts of 2021, is hereby further amended by adding the following subsection:-

(aa)(1) As used in this subsection the following terms shall, unless the context clearly requires otherwise, have the following meanings:

“Maintains a household”, furnishes over half the cost of maintaining the household in the taxable year.

“Qualifying child”, an individual between the ages of 1 day old and 16 years old who qualifies for exemption as a dependent under section 151 of the Code.

(2) A taxpayer who maintains a household that includes as a member at least 1 qualifying child shall be allowed a refundable credit in an amount equal to $250 per month per qualifying child; provided, however, that if the taxpayer is married at the close of the taxable year, the credit provided in this subsection shall be allowed if the taxpayer and the taxpayer’s spouse file a joint return for the taxable year or if the taxpayer qualifies as a head of household under section 2(b) of the Code. 

(3) The commissioner shall establish a program to make payments on a monthly basis to taxpayers of $250 per qualifying child for each month of the year that the taxpayer maintains a household that includes as a member at least 1 qualifying child. The commissioner shall establish an online portal that allows taxpayers to: (i) elect not to receive payments under this subsection and (ii) provide information to the commissioner relevant to a modification under this subsection, including but not limited to birth, aging or death of a qualifying child.